MAKARAKA

makaraka, or iddio ("cannibals"), a negroid people of central africa, closely related to the powerful azandeh or niam-niam race, occupying the bahr-el-ghazal west of lado. they came originally from the country of the kibas, north of the welle. dr w. junker described them as among the most trustworthy, industrious and intelligent people of the bahr-el-ghazal. they are a reddish-black, with nose less flat and cheek-bones less prominent than the ordinary negroes, and, unlike the latter, do not extract the incisors. their long silky hair is built up in the most fantastic form by means of vegetable substances. they are well-known for strength and staying power. see w. junker, _travels in africa_ (1890-1892).